Get a factory service manual too (buy or borrow one). if it has a "check engine", that may help diagnose the problem.
Could be a major problem, could be minor.
My initial diagnosis steps would be ...
1) Compression check
2) Eliminate any/all "check engine" conditions
3) Check suspect plug for fire, fouling, etc
The 8v is actually nice in it's simplicity, so I suspect you'll discover the prob soon enuf.